Hi Sara! It usually depends on the number of servings. Generally, 4 servings will fit in one gallon freezer bag. So our system rounds up to 4 freezer bags if you are cooking for more than 4 people. So, you would just defrost 2 bags on the day you plan to cook the meal. Of course, if you can fit it into two freezer bags, you are more than welcome to do so to save costs.